Agriculture Projects
Description of Results on Crops Development Acreage under irrigation– the target was achieved largely due to increased interventions by the County on micro irrigation farming. Acreage under strategic food crop reserve- target almost met i.e. 18,738(94%) acres achieved against a target of 20,000, drought affected the target achievement however programs and projects such as KCEP-CRAL, NARIGP, FAO, and MESPT ASDSP…
Description of Results on Crops Development Acreage under irrigation– the target was achieved largely due to increased interventions by the County on micro irrigation farming. Acreage under strategic food crop reserve- target almost met i.e. 18,738(94%) acres achieved against a target of 20,000, drought affected the target achievement however programs and projects such as KCEP-CRAL, NARIGP, FAO, and MESPT ASDSP increased farmer activities on food security through specific value chains i.e. maize cowpeas, tomatoes, and cassava Acreage under drought tolerant food crops- the target was not achieved due to insufficient rainfall distribution. i.e. 1873 acre (62%) achievement against a target of 3000acres There are also stakeholders i.e. Agricycle and MESPT activities on cassava production and marketing No of seedlings issued under cash crops rehabilitated – target surpassed 161% due to the provision of 32,200 seedlings to farmers against a target of 20,000 seedlings i.e. Coconut, mango, and Cashew nut. Yields per acreage of maize production - The target was partly met i.e. 53%(8 bags against the set target of 15 bags ) for the OND last short rains but will not be achieved for the MAM harvest due to insufficient rainfall distribution in the County which affected the crops’ growth. Description of Results on Livestock Development Dairy cattle distributed: The target was not fully met because most of the Wards preferred goats over dairy cows. A total of 24 in-calf heifers were procured and will be distributed to beneficiaries in Dzombo, Pongwe/Kikoneni, and Kubo South Wards. Farmers were trained by the Livestock Extension Officers on routine dairy cow management and guided in the construction of zero grazing units before delivery of the cows. The purpose of dairy cows is to increase milk production and productivity in the targeted households. Beef cattle distributed: The target still needs to be met due to limited budgetary allocation. A total of 30 Boran bulls were distributed against a target of 50. The 30 bulls were distributed to beneficiaries in Gombato/Bongwe, Ukunda, and Ramisi Wards, each Ward receiving 10 bulls. These bulls are meant to improve the local breed in terms of growth rate and market weight. Meat goats distributed: A total of 549 Galla bucks were distributed against a target of 400. The bucks were distributed in nine Wards namely; Ndavaya, Samburu, Kasemeni, Puma, Kinondo, Mackinnon Road, Tsimba/Golini, Mkongani, and Mwereni each Ward receiving 61 bucks. The Galla bucks are meant to improve the indigenous goat breeds in terms of growth rate and high market weight. All beneficiaries are trained in matters pertaining to goat routine management practices and housing before distribution. Dairy goats distributed: A total of 45 dairy goats (40 does and 5 bucks) were distributed to 45 beneficiaries in Waa/Ng’ombeni Ward. All the beneficiaries were trained on dairy goat housing and routine management practices before receiving the goats. The does are meant to improve goat milk production at the household level while the bucks are meant to mate with the dairy does as well as the local breed to maintain the pure dairy breed and improve the local breed respectively. Livestock market improvement: Three livestock markets were partially improved. Construction of a perimeter wall is ongoing at Miatsani Livestock Market while construction of toilets is near completion in Melikubwa and Vibandani Kwa Bita livestock markets. Improving honey production. An apiary was established and equipped at Miatsani, Mkongani Ward. The aim of putting up apiaries in the County is to tap the potential beekeeping. The targeted group members are trained on beekeeping and follow-up visits are made by the area livestock extension officer to ensure adherence to the apiary management guidelines. The good performance of the division is attributed to the great support from the County Executive, stakeholders (NDMA, KENTTEC, Samaritan’s Purse, FAO, MESPT), and the departmental projects; NARIGP, KEMFSED, and ASDSP. Description of results on Veterinary Services Provision of vaccine and sera:-the target was barely met i.e. 79% due to drought that led to the loss of stock mostly in Kinango and Lunga Lunga Sub-counties despite the provision of animal handling structures such as the vaccination crushes, publicity, and sensitizations during routine clinical and extension work. Provision of Artificial insemination services: the target was surpassed as 560 cattle were inseminated against a target of 500 animals. The strategies applied included heat synchronization of animals and the addition of new staff with an AI background. Provision of dipping/vector control services: - The average total number of animals dipped per week per dip was 311 animals against a target of 500 animals. Enhanced product and by-product shelf life and value: -. A target of 1 functional slaughterhouse was set and was met. Cattle dips constructed and rehabilitated: - target surpassed i.e. 4 new dips and rehabilitation of 4 old dips. Description of results on Veterinary Services Provision of vaccine and sera:-the target was barely met i.e. 79% due to drought that led to the loss of stock mostly in Kinango and Lunga Lunga Sub-counties despite the provision of animal handling structures such as the vaccination crushes, publicity, and sensitizations during routine clinical and extension work. Provision of Artificial insemination services: the target was surpassed as 560 cattle were inseminated against a target of 500 animals. The strategies applied included heat synchronization of animals and the addition of new staff with an AI background. Provision of dipping/vector control services: - The average total number of animals dipped per week per dip was 311 animals against a target of 500 animals. Enhanced product and by-product shelf life and value: -. A target of 1 functional slaughterhouse was set and was met. Cattle dips constructed and rehabilitated: - target surpassed i.e. 4 new dips and rehabilitation of 4 old dips. 3.1. 2 Description of results on fisheries Development On the Sets of assorted fishing gears/accessories provided to fishermen, target achievement was (445%) leading to an increase in 20% capture fish landings. They were issued with fishing gillnets, longlines, handlines, snorkeling equipment, ropes, and ties. The purchase of 2 fishing boats targets achieved (100%) of the money allocated, while only one rescue boat was proposed to be purchased for patrols and emergency rescue operations to meet the shortfall of the previous financial year's target. One fish landing site was completed (Chale Jeza) while Mkwiro landing site development is ongoing as per the target to enhance hygienic fish handling and preservation hence reducing post-harvest losses. Other developments at landing sites include the completion of landscaping of the Gasi landing site and development of Net making Shed, and the development of another net-mending shed initiated at the Mwandamu landing site. All are geared towards a secure area for mending nets and storage away from how they were used to under the scorching sun. All 23 BMUs have been trained on fishing techniques, 7 on seaweed production, all on value addition and marketing, BMU governance, etc. The motor vehicle and 4 motorcycles procured in the previous year continued to offer efficient extension services with no new additions in the current year. However, there is a need for adequate fuel allocation and timely servicing of the same. Seaweed farming increased by 50% in production however harsh weather conditions (mariculture is highly dependent on tidal ranges), predation, lack of source of certified seeds, and limited value addition and storage (4 sites) remained a challenge to meet full potential in production. The number of ponds under crab and prawn production does not achieve any allocation provided to undertake the development hence no mariculture pond was established in the year under review. Freshwater aquaculture was not achieved due to water scarcity On the Number of stakeholder/partner meetings that reflect partnership enhancements and functions 200% target was achieved in the year under review, however, COVID-19 containment measures and a slow flow of funding have scaled down efforts for this collaboration.